Claudia

“In time,” I add as he nods. His jaw clicks before a smile appears on his face. “Of course baby,” something about his tone irritates me, but I put it down to whatever pressure Ansel is putting him through. Whilst Ansel is alpha and leads the pack, Braden basically runs it for him, ensuring everything is taken care of. I still see the faint bruises on his knuckles, something that should have healed with his wolf. He told me there wasn’t a fight, but I can’t think what else would have caused this … not even training would result in these kinds of bruises.

The nurse comes in, taking some of my blood before she gives me some meds. My eyes grow heavy as I sink back into my pillow. “Sleep baby, I’ll be here when you wake up,” Braden purrs, kissing the tip of my pointed nose as I slip into a deep sleep. Visions of our wedding flutter through my mind.

“I do,” Braden says, squeezing my hand in his. He looks dashing in his dark grey suit and tie, Ansel conducts our ceremony wearing all black and Gaia is one of my bridesmaids in a blush pink silk dress. My own is fitted to my slim body with a large skirt that poofs out and lace overlay on the top with a large veil. I feel like a princess.

My heart jumps in excitement as I stare at Braden. His eyes never leave mine as I feel my palms sweat taking the ring and placing it on his finger. I just about whisper the words, my nerves getting the best of me as I whisper, “I do.” Braden beams, his face lighting up as if he didn’t realise this day would actually come and pulls me into a kiss as he moulds me to his body. I hear the cheers and claps of the pack as Gaia scatters flower petals over us as Braden and I break apart. He keeps a tight grip on my waist, as I feel almost dizzy with glee.

We walk out the front of the pack house as flowers fall over us as someone takes our picture; the flash hurting my eyes. Braden never leaves my side and I barely hear his promises of what the night will bring in my ear as everyone congratulates us. The rest of the day goes by in a blur and my cheeks ache from smiling and laughing so much.

Gaia and I dance with the rest of the guests for most of the evening before Braden pulls me from her grasp and whisks me across the dance floor. “My beautiful wife,” he purrs in my ear and he twirls me on the floor. Tonight will be our first night together. I wasn’t ready when we first got together, and Braden respected my decision to wait.

Then when we became engaged, he told me it will be best to wait until we are married for the night to be even more special. It was a little disappointing at first, but when I really thought about it, I knew he was right. I felt a flutter in my belly as he spun me again before drawing me close and tugging my back to his chest as we swayed in time to the music.

“Sometimes I look at you and still can’t believe this day came that you said yes.” he twirls me again as I smile before he pulls me close place a swift kiss on my lips. “Oh, why is that? Did you think someone else would claim me for themselves?” Even though I tease, his lips form a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I’m kidding Braden. I’ve always been yours,” he smiles, then kissing the tip of my nose. “I’m glad you won’t believe how much it means to me that I’m your first,” he whispers, so no one else will hear, making me blush.

“Braden, stop,” he smirks as his hand slides down my spine until it sits dangerously low on my back. My breath hitches as he brushes his nose against my ear. “Let’s get out of here,” he purrs, pulling my body closer as my throat goes dry as I swallow back, nodding. Even as he leads me through the crowd parting, wishing us well, my stomach flips and my breath hitches.